On Saturday, 22 tornado warnings were issued for the Birmingham area, marking the highest single-day occurrence since March 17-18, 2021.
Much of central Alabama was under a High Risk (level 5/5) designation from the Storm Prediction Center (SPC), similar to the event in 2021. Of the 22 tornado warnings issued, at least six evolved into radar-confirmed tornadoes via tornado debris signatures (TDS).
Areas that appeared to be hardest hit included Plantersville in Dallas County and Maplesville in Chilton County. A tornado-warned thunderstorm rapidly intensified in northern Dallas County, exhibiting a strong tornado debris signature on radar around 9 PM. Within minutes, damage reports began to flood in from both Plantersville and Maplesville along U.S. Highway 82.
As of Sunday morning, the true extent of the damage across central Alabama remains unclear. Crews from the National Weather Service are set to begin their damage surveys to assess what occurred.
Early reports indicate that Winterboro High School sustained significant damage due to a confirmed tornado. Gordo experienced two tornadic supercells within an hour of each other, with initial reports suggesting the hardest hit areas are along Highway 82 just west of the city center.
Many other towns in Alabama are also engaged in cleanup efforts this morning, with Calera reportedly taking a direct hit shortly after 8 PM Saturday. There are reports of major damage to a mobile home park as well as a dealership off I-65. More information is expected to emerge as daylight breaks on Sunday morning.
In total, the number of warnings issued this time is lower than during the March 2021 event, which concluded with 31 tornado warnings and 16 confirmed by radar.
While the numbers may not be as high, it’s important to remember that if a tornado impacts any area, it is a significant event. Many Alabamians experienced their first taste of the spring severe weather season and are now starting to clean up in the aftermath.
Further information will be available in the coming days following assessments by the National Weather Service.
